I have to admit that everyday when I sign onto the computer, I check TMZ. I love celebrity gossip! I can't help it. It's my guilty pleasure. My family makes fun of me and doesn't understand it (yet when they want to know what is going on with any troubled celebrity, they come to me :)
I started thinking, why do I enjoy reading about others' misfortune? Am I guilty of Schadenfreude? Schadenfreude is a German term given to the emotion of deriving the enjoyment out of the troubles of others. Kind of a morbid thought. But it got me thinking, aren't we all guilty of it in some way?
I'm following the story of Amanda Bynes with great interest. It's a train wreck that's never ending. I keep thinking, its just so sad. What a mess she is making of her life. But it goes deeper than that if I'm totally honest. I start to think, I'm a better parent than Amanda's parents! My daughter would have been diagnosed with a mental disorder prior to exhibiting bizarre public behavior. She would take her medication as directed. I will have a terrific relationship with my daughter always and she will rely on my advice even at the age of 26 and never get into this lonely situation!
How do I even know what's going to happen to my children in the future? I'm secretly making myself feel like a superior parent, when the truth is, I've made so many mistakes with my children I've stopped counting. I'm just lucky up to this point that things have turned out so well. I try my best, but I'm imperfect squared. All I can do is own up when I make a mistake, apologize and correct the behavior in the future and love them unconditionally.
Now, I'm viewing Amanda's situation in a different light. I discuss this situation with my kids, explaining and de-stigmatizing mental illness. Teach them that their actions affect everyone. Let them know if they ever have a problem, they can come to me and we will work through it.
Love and prayers to Amanda Bynes and her family! And to her parents, I'm not better than you, I'm the same as you. I love my children and want to do what's best for them.
